Result not out yet opposition candidate wants Gabonese president to accept defeat

Jean Ping, Gabonese opposition candidate, has called on President Ali Bongo to “acknowledge defeat” in the weekend presidential election.

Speaking at a press conference in Libreville, the country’s capital, on Monday, Ping said unofficial tallies gave him a clear edge.

He said he was waiting for the president to call and congratulate him.

Jean Ndougou, the country’s interior minister, has described Ping’s move as an attempt to pre-empt official announcement of the poll results, expected on Tuesday.

Ndougou said Ping’s pronouncement was an attempt to manipulate the democratic process.

Ping, a diplomat was chairperson of the African Union commission between 2008 and 2012.

While Bongo is the son of Omar Bongo, a long time ruler of the country.

The incumbent president, whose family has governed for nearly 50 years, played prominent roles in his father’s administration.